PSG vs Atlético Madrid : Tuchel blindsided by Cavani report

PSG vs Atlético Madrid : Thomas Tuchel said it was his “biggest wish” for Edinson Cavani to stay at Paris Saint-Germain on Monday after reports linking the Uruguay striker to Real Madrid.Paris Saint Germain players celebrate after scoring their second goal against Atletico Madrid during the International Champions Cup football match in Singapore on July 30, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Roslan RAHMAN
Tuchel appeared surprised by Real’s interest in Cavani, as reported by Spanish media, when he heard about it after a 3-2 friendly win over Atletico Madrid in Singapore.

“This is my feeling and my biggest wish and I have not heard such a thing,” Tuchel said, when asked if he would like to keep Cavani at PSG.

“I talked to Edinson some days ago, he didn’t mention anything. He said he was looking forward to coming back, he said he’s looking forward to joining us to achieve all his goals with us and our team.

“He’s a key player for us and there’s no thought about giving him away.”

Unconfirmed reports say European champions Real are interested in Cavani as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has joined Juventus on a 100-million-euro deal.

The elegant forward, a member of PSG’s ‘MCN’ strike force along with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, has been with PSG for five seasons after moving from Napoli.

The 31-year-old has reportedly admitted to having problems with Neymar, who arrived for a world-record fee last year, but said he had resolved them with the Brazilian.

– ‘Unbelievable mentality’ –

Tuchel is still without his full squad with Marquinhos set to arrive on Tuesday and Neymar flying in ahead of Saturday’s French Super Cup game against Monaco in Shenzhen, China.

An under-strength PSG have lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich and 5-1 to Arsenal already in pre-season but Virgiliu Postolachi’s injury-time strike against Atletico gave Tuchel his first win at the helm.